QR Code Anatomy

A two dimensional barcode with the ability to be read irrespective of X or Y axis orientation.

QR construction elements

Static QR Codes

Static QR codes have everything they need to function inside then.

Provided the QR code scanner application supports all the functions that QR codes could request, the direct QR code is the most efficient way of getting specific instructions to the scanning device.

Advantages

• No network required
• Diverse range of instructions for diverse smart phones

Disadvantages

• Best suited for only simple instructions
• Big data (vCard) = Big QR codes

Dynamic QR Codes

Dynamic QR codes are pointers to on-line data sources.

Dynamic QR codes contain a pointer, typically a URL, to a resource on a remote public network.

Advantages

• Rich content ability (audio, video, ....)

Disadvantages

• No network access = Cannot function.
  (HTML5 Manifest apps can be an exception)

Services & Software

Various forms of free and charged QR code generators are available on-line via Internet.

Display media
Almost all free on-line QR code generators provide low resolution bitmap QR codes, suitable for displaying on a monitor or TV screen, supporting the RGB (Red/Green/Blue) color model.

Examples of free QR Code Generators

Print media
To ensure the quality of the QR code remains high, irrespective of the size it is printed at, vector or line drawing QR codes are the best way to go. Very few free on-line services provide vector EPS and/or PDF QR code files. Those that do like delivr.com and qrcode.littleidiot.be and many more create these vector QR codes using the RGB model, not well supported by the printing industry.

Besides the CMYK Vector QR codes generated by QR4, two other providers of on-line QR codes do supply print friendly QR codes, one of these is keremerkan.net.